Matt Campbell
Matt Campbell is an Australian born guitarist and songwriter. He studied music at The University of New England Armidale, before becoming a full time musician in 2003. After playing with, writing for and guesting with many other bands and musicians in his home country, he made the decision to dedicate himself to his first love – the first band he was ever in, the one he formed himself, has been the most enduring – Captains.
Captains made their first full length record in 2004. It was released in Australia to critical acclaim and won them many fans. They were chosen to perform a cover of Soft Cell’s hit, “Tainted Love” for the cult feature film, “Feed.” Their second record, in 2007, earned them the coveted Song of the year award in Sydney’s Alternative Music Awards for their single, “Out of Focus.”
In 2008, Captains shifted their focus overseas. Opting to retain full control, Captains remained self managed in this period – they are one of the few Australian bands that have managed to self fund and self manage a US tour. In early 2009, they worked with world renowned indie producer Rick Parker, and produced the record Tyranny Amongst Friends. Due for release in 2010, Tyranny Amongst Friends will be Captains 3rd record, and their first foray into the US market. Matt is currently living in West Hollywood.
For most bands, good songs are essential. This is where the magic starts and finishes. Without a good song, all the marketing in the world will get you nowhere. Conversely, a good song can take a band from relative obscurity and put them on the map instantly.
There are several elements to think about when writing, listening back or running the track in the rehearsal room.
With the upheavals in the music industry of the last ten years, and the more recent economic downturn, it can be difficult for many artists to see where their next paycheck is coming from. An increasingly open and volatile environment means that artists today must be creative, opportunistic and willing to deal with uncertainty to survive.
It’s not all bad news though – the “democratization” of the music industry has meant that there is more opportunity than ever to connect directly with fans, cutting out the traditional middle men of old – record labels.
